The Federal Government has called on the public to stop interfering at emergency scenes, warning that crowd obstruction and failure to give way to fire engines are putting lives and properties at significant risk.

Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Olumode Adeyemi, made the appeal during a ceremony to mark International Firefighters’ Day 2026.

Speaking on the theme ‘Courage Under Fire: Recognising the Sacrifices and Realities of Firefighting’, Adeyemi urged citizens to act as partners in safety rather than obstacles.

He advised: “At emergency scenes, allow firefighters to do their work. Avoid crowding, interference, or actions that may put lives at greater risk.

“Respect safety perimeters and follow instructions given by emergency personnel. Support them, do not obstruct them.”

The FFS chief highlighted the immense pressure on the service, revealing that in the first quarter of 2026 alone, firefighters responded to hundreds of incidents, saving over 1,700 lives and protecting properties valued at more than N300 billion.

“Behind every siren is a human being, behind every emergency call is a family waiting.

“Firefighting is not merely a career; it is a lifelong commitment to humanity. It demands that you move toward danger when instinct tells you to retreat,” the CG explained.

To address the physical and emotional toll on officers, he announced a series of sweeping welfare reforms, which include the promotion of over 2,600 officers to eliminate career stagnation, the induction of 700 new cadets in Jos, and the introduction of interest-free loans and enhanced medical cover for injuries sustained in the line of duty.